Francis is the new WM of St Michael’s Lodge

10th March 2018

Francis Aspinall was installed as the new WM of St Michael’s Lodge No 5756 at their installation meeting held at the Park Hall Hotel, Charnock Richard. The lodge was honoured by the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Robert Wright as the principal guest. Robert was accompanied by Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman Frank Umbers, vice chairman Graham Chambers, grand officers Brian Fairhurst, Malcolm Alexander, Malcolm Bell and acting Provincial grand officers Thomas Bradfield-Kay, Mike Dutton, David Scott, Fred Dickenson, Carl Matthews, Russell Skidmore and John Walters.

Robert Wright (left) congratulating Francis Aspinall on becoming WM.

The outgoing WM Brian Turner opened the lodge and once the initial lodge business had been completed, Malcolm Bell PrDGDC, was admitted in to room and announced Robert Wright was without and demanded admission. Robert was then admitted into the temple accompanied by the grand and acting Provincial grand officers. Brian then warmly welcomed him to the ceremony and offered the gavel of the lodge, which Robert gracefully declined.

Brian then asked Gerry Barrett if he would assist the lodge by occupying the chair of the SW, Walter Davidson if he would occupy the chair of JW and Jason Nash if he would assist by acting as IG. The master elect Francis Aspinall was then presented to the lodge by the presenting officer Walter Taylor and after he had taken his obligation, the outgoing WM Brian thanked the brethren for all their support and praised the hard work they had done during his year in office.

Brian then handed the proceedings over to John Medcalf who acted as the installing master and installed Francis, according to ancient custom into the chair of King Solomon. The working tools for the third degree were presented and explained by Harold Marsh, the second degree tools by Stuart Tighe and the first degree tools by Jason Nash, all in a confident and proficient manner.

The presentation of the warrant of the lodge and the address to the master was delivered by Brian Turner and the address to the WM was given by John Medcalf, the address to the wardens by Jason Nash and that to the brethren of the lodge by the principal guest, Robert Wright.

At the end of the ceremony Robert brought the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison. Robert said: “Tony sends his congratulations to Francis on becoming WM and he wishes Francis an enjoyable year in the chair.” Robert continued: “If Tony was here, he would have congratulated Brian Turner and John Medcalf for the way they installed Francis into the chair and thanked all the brethren of the lodge who had been involved in tonight’s ceremony.”

Robert was then presented with five cheques totalling £900, for the following beneficiaries; £300 to the MCF 2021 Festival, £300 to Foxton Homeless, £100 to Derian House Children’s’ Hospice, £100 to Rosemere Cancer Foundation and £100 to Rainbow House. He gave grateful thanks on behalf of all those who would benefit from the kind generosity of the members.

Following the meeting the brethren made their way to an excellent festive board, held in the Park Suite of the hotel, where they enjoyed vegetable soup for a starter, followed by roast beef for the main course and fruits of the forest crumble with Ice cream for dessert. During the festive board a raffle was held which raised £135, which will be donated to charity at a future date.

Robert Wright and Francis Aspinall (centre), with the grand and acting Provincial grand officers.